I wont be leaving the MBG group. Sold my 3rd Hewes but, I'll have another in the future. Right now I'm kind of out of fishing a while. Had shoulder surgery and the doc says no fishing or non-pt use of that arm until probably end of September. The physical therapy on it is a biatch.

My son-in-law's family have a Cobia 240cc which I have fished a couple of times - a really good, solid boat. I ended up going with a different manufacturer's boat in a 26' cc. They are folks I have gotten to know through their support and help for the Snook and Gamefish Foundation. I toured their factory and was impressed and got a super deal. This site is for the MBG and I dont think it's right to promote other brands, so i'm not naming what I have. Except for personal experience with another group I may well have ended up with a Cobia. I think we all agree that Scott, Skip and Charlie build top-line, quality products, especially since we all have bought some of them.

My 4th Redfisher has gone to a new great family in Jensen Beach. My family has grown with the addition of a son-in-law and we now have a place in Panama City Beach, so I got a lot of pressure to get a large off-shore boat. I'll still be around on here, and I'll definitely have another skiff in time, maybe a Mav next time. Fair winds and tight lines --Dave

Late 2014 model year, placed in service in 2015. Due to some health issues the boat has had only 79 hours of use. Fully equipped and ready to fish. $33,000. Located in Sandy Springs GA but willing to trailer some for a serious buyer. Email jd.nickles@yahoo.com
115 Yamaha 4 stroke - YES warranty until 2021
Power tech 4 blade prop
Minn Kota Riptide 80 ST I-Pilot
Garmin Echomap 70dv
Triple batteries with a 3-bank charger
Stiffy Hybrid push pole
Standard Horizon VHF radio
New tires including the spare
Swing tongue trailer – fits in a 21’ garage
At the 2016 owners’ tournament the boat rubbed on a piling and the gelcoat suffered a chip at the rub rail about the size of a dime. It has been repaired but the white final coat has not been applied. That is the only ding on her.

Dino: I've got the NSS 16 evo2 on my big boat with total scan and love it. I'm fishing it in the pan handle off shore and it really helps in finding good bottom. If you're going to put it on your flats boat, I'm not sure of the value at all in skinny water.

Some great news!! The Gulf states are now much closer to being approved to manage Red Snapper in 2018 and 2019. There will be reporting requirements designed to get more accurate data on catch numbers to ensure better management.
For Immediate Release
Mary Jane Williamson, Communications Director
703-519-9691, x227
www.asafishing.org
Gulf Council Advances Proposals for States to Manage Red Snapper
Sportfishing industry believes that states’ management will benefit red snapper conservation and fishing access
Alexandria, VA – February 1, 2018 – The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) applauds today’s vote by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to approve Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) for each of the five Gulf states that will allow each state to manage recreational fishing for red snapper.
“As an organization that has long pushed for state management of Gulf red snapper, we are thankful for the Gulf Council’s vote to allow the states to test red snapper management,” said Mike Leonard, ASA’s Conservation director. “Each of the Gulf states are to be commended for putting forward well-thought-out proposals that will demonstrate their ability to effectively manage recreational red snapper fishing.”
The EFPs, which cover the 2018 and 2019 fishing years, will allow recreationally caught red snapper to be landed within certain time periods determined by the respective states.
Red snapper landings would be monitored by the states, and the respective state seasons would close when a state’s quota is caught or projected to be caught. These studies are intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of state management of recreationally caught red snapper.
“While much work remains to be done, today’s vote is a significant step in the right direction for Gulf anglers and the businesses that depend on red snapper fishing,” said Leonard.
Development and approval of the Gulf states’ EFPs was facilitated by language from Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) in the FY2017 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill that directed NOAA Fisheries to develop the fishery management pilot program allowing states to manage Gulf red snapper.
“Thanks in large part to the efforts of leaders in Congress such as Sen. Shelby, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.), state management of Gulf red snapper is getting closer to reality,” noted Leonard.
With the Gulf Council’s approval, NOAA is now required to publish the plans and allow for a 30-day comment period. NOAA must then ratify each plan before implementation begins.
###
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry's trade association committed to representing the interests of the sportfishing and boating industries as well as the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry and anglers a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation and social values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America's 46 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation's waterways through Keep America Fishing®, our national angler advocacy campaign. America's anglers generate more than $48 billion in retail sales with a $115 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for more than 828,000 people.

Some great news!! The Gulf states are now much closer to being approved to manage Red Snapper in 2018 and 2019. There will be reporting requirements designed to get more accurate data on catch numbers to ensure better management.
For Immediate Release
Mary Jane Williamson, Communications Director
703-519-9691, x227
www.asafishing.org
Gulf Council Advances Proposals for States to Manage Red Snapper
Sportfishing industry believes that states’ management will benefit red snapper conservation and fishing access
Alexandria, VA – February 1, 2018 – The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) applauds today’s vote by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to approve Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) for each of the five Gulf states that will allow each state to manage recreational fishing for red snapper.
“As an organization that has long pushed for state management of Gulf red snapper, we are thankful for the Gulf Council’s vote to allow the states to test red snapper management,” said Mike Leonard, ASA’s Conservation director. “Each of the Gulf states are to be commended for putting forward well-thought-out proposals that will demonstrate their ability to effectively manage recreational red snapper fishing.”
The EFPs, which cover the 2018 and 2019 fishing years, will allow recreationally caught red snapper to be landed within certain time periods determined by the respective states.
Red snapper landings would be monitored by the states, and the respective state seasons would close when a state’s quota is caught or projected to be caught. These studies are intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of state management of recreationally caught red snapper.
“While much work remains to be done, today’s vote is a significant step in the right direction for Gulf anglers and the businesses that depend on red snapper fishing,” said Leonard.
Development and approval of the Gulf states’ EFPs was facilitated by language from Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) in the FY2017 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill that directed NOAA Fisheries to develop the fishery management pilot program allowing states to manage Gulf red snapper.
“Thanks in large part to the efforts of leaders in Congress such as Sen. Shelby, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.), state management of Gulf red snapper is getting closer to reality,” noted Leonard.
With the Gulf Council’s approval, NOAA is now required to publish the plans and allow for a 30-day comment period. NOAA must then ratify each plan before implementation begins.
###
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry's trade association committed to representing the interests of the sportfishing and boating industries as well as the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry and anglers a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation and social values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America's 46 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation's waterways through Keep America Fishing®, our national angler advocacy campaign. America's anglers generate more than $48 billion in retail sales with a $115 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for more than 828,000 people.

Like Linesider said you can get a foot control for your MinnKota. Find it hard to control my Hewes with the fob when fishing, so I changed to the foot switch and it works much better for fishing a Mangrove shoreline or a point for bass.

There is an article in today's "Fishing Wire" about the freeze and effects on the Snook fisheries. The Snook and Gamefish Foundation encourages you to report fish kills to the FWC. Report the killed fish to FWC’s Fish Kill hotline. You can do this by phone (800-636-0511) or online at http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/...kills-hotline/ Thanks for your help. http://www.thefishingwire.com/story/...d-1d7212312731
Support the Snook & Gamefish Foundation http://sgf.gamefishcloud.com/

I've fished solo several times on my Redfisher and you have gotten some good advice here.
From another course though - never take your life jacket off when you're in the boat alone. If what you have is "too bulky" when fishing, invest in an auto-inflate type. Well worth the $$ if you ever go in the drink while solo. A lot of folks figure if they're on the flats and fall in all they have to do is stand up. Doesn't always work that way. Wear it and be safe. Good luck out there.

I have seen one that mounts to the poling platform legs and folds up to make a "seat" in front of the platform or folds down to provide a back rest. It was probably fabricated to work as described, but looked like a great idea. You may want to look into it.

Dino: I finally gave up on Garmin! Half the time my newest unit has me running on dry land. They "update" all the time; anything older than about 3 - 4 years is out of date and good luck finding parts; and, they monopolize their software operating system so you can only use their chips and maps. I'm done.
I have Simrad on my new offshore boat and love it. The mapping with Navionics is excellent and the bottom read with 3D highdef sidescan is amazing. You wont be sorry.

Ah, give 'em break and buy one. They gotta pay for that slick advertising somehow!
My Redfisher came with an Engel 35 for the seat in front of the console, and it is a superior cooler to the one yeti I had. Consumer reports tests show that engel wins consistently over the yetis. I'm all for free market, and more power to the yeti folks, but I cant see paying $299 for the 35 yeti when I an get a 35 Engel for $199.

There are in fact a few organizations, in addition to CCA, that are very active in protecting the fisheries and access to fish them. Certainly dont forget the Snook and Gamefish Foundation and others. http://snookfoundation.org/

I've been watching the posts on these "jumpers", but with all the recent news about lithium ion batteries catching fire, I wonder about the safety. Is there a concern about one being stored aboard and spontaneously flaming up??

I took mine off. The ones that amaze me are the boats loaded up with Yeti, Costa, Power Pole, etc. stickers. Folks spend $100s if not $1000s on things and then advertise them for free. The only stickers I have are for the Snook and Gamefish Foundation and the I-Angler ap, because I believe in and support them.